It was 25 years ago that she stood on the stage with other Washington High School choir members for the annual presentation of Handel's "Messiah."

"I felt like a real kid again," Weller, a 1994 graduate, said.

Then Carri Stanley, she took part in the 50th anniversary of the presentation of "Messiah" as a senior. On Sunday, Weller will join about 80 Massillon students and dozens of alumni as they mark the 75th presentation of the musical composition.

Long-time tradition

When the program began in 1943, school officials had no plan to repeat the performance the following year, explained Robert Cannon, director of choral activities at the high school.

"It wasn't meant to be a tradition," he said. "The director at the time wanted to start something big and change it every year, but the community loved it so much they kept bringing it back and it has become what it is today."

In the beginning, the chorus would sing the iconic songs of Handel's oratorio accompanied by an organ at a local church.

While small changes were made over the years, the program has remained mostly unchanged, he said.

At some point, the performance was moved to the high school for added space and a professional orchestra was added to accompany the singers, Cannon said.

Cannon, who will take the podium for the third year, said the earlier shows featured members of the chorus in white robes configured in a cross with the remainder of the chorus surrounding them in blue robes.

This year's presentation will feature the sophomores, juniors and seniors of the Advanced Choir and Select Choir.

Several of the choir members have solos that they have been perfecting for months, Cannon said.

"They have worked on their solo for the duration of the year," he said. "They auditioned for it and worked very hard to be in that spotlight. It's very difficult (music)."

Each year, several alumni join the choir. Cannon said they have a central core of alumni that always participate.

Some return each year while others come when they can.

Weller has been back one time before this year to perform. She joined the chorus in 2011 when her sister-in-law, Kennedy Nemeth, was a senior member of the choir.

"There are a lot of memories," Weller said, adding that she is performing with children of her friends from high school.

She recalls working with Loren Veigel and the late Paula Morgan during her time as a Tiger.

"They made you feel so incredible. They believed in us," she said. "They made us feel like we were professional singers by teaching, encouraging and believing in us. They allowed us to carry on this tradition every year. Some of the songs in the "Messiah" are pretty tough. We began practicing early in fall to be ready for the show."

During the first rehearsal for this year's presentation, Weller admits she had butterflies in her stomach as she remembered how challenging the piece is, though the students were welcoming and helpful.

Weller said she loves to sing, and participating in the performance is exciting because of the 75th anniversary.

"It's another big milestone (of the show)," she said. "I was in the 50th presentation."

End of an era

With the 75th presentation of the show, it will be the end of an era.

Cannon explained rising costs, lack of alumni participation and the dwindling crowd have caused organizers to re-examine the show.

Next year, the chorus will present selections from "Messiah" but the performance also will offer new concepts, including the addition of eighth- and ninth-grade choruses.

"We have worked very hard to get our numbers up and our finances are looking better however the attendance has not changed," Cannon said. "The following years will have portions of the "Messiah" but we are reinvigorating the show and hoping we can appeal to more."

Officials hope going forward the show will be more visual and appeal to all ages.

"The only thing constant is change," Weller said of the departure. "They can keep the tradition and put a new spin on it and hopefully rope in the younger crowd."

A special cake honoring the 75 years of the show will be on hand for participants and visitors to enjoy.

Cannon also hopes to display memories shared by those who have been part of the show throughout its storied run. Memories can be posted on the Massillon Choirs Facebook page or emailed to Cannon at rcannon@massillonschools.org.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com

On Twitter: @aknappINDE

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